WINNING CRANBERRY DATE BARS

Winning Cranberry Date Bars image

I enjoy making these when the cranberry season arrives. The recipe is very easy to put together, which is perfect for busy parents like me. -Richard Grams, LaCrosse, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 package (8 ounces) chopped dates
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, melted
ORANGE GLAZE:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, combine cranberries and dates. Cover and cook over low heat until berries pop, 15 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla; set aside., In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in butter until crumbly. Press half into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake 8 minutes. Spoon cranberry mixture over the crust; spread gently. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture; pat down gently., Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 128 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 58mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.